Lamiaceae
Fernleaf Lavender (Lavandula multifida)
Lavandula multifida
Plant it in full sun in soil that drains fast, and water sparingly. It handles heat and drought, but cold wet soil kills it, and it rarely survives below about -7 °C. Snip off spent spikes to keep it flowering and give it a light trim in spring. No feeding needed.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
-7° - 38°C
20% - 60%
Categories
What is Fernleaf lavender?
Fernleaf lavender (Lavandula multifida) is a medium-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Fernleaf lavender (Lavandula multifida) is a short-lived subshrub in the mint family, native to the southern Mediterranean: Portugal, Spain, Sicily, North Africa to Egypt and the Canary Islands, where it grows on open stony ground, often near houses and tracks. It reaches 30 to 60 cm tall and wide....
Fernleaf lavender grows up to 60cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 10 days, -7°C – 38°C, 20–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Fernleaf lavender?
TLDR: Fernleaf lavender needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -7-38°C with 20-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Fernleaf lavender?
Water about every 10 days in summer, once the soil is dry. Hardly at all in winter. Too much water and cold wet soil rot the roots.
How Much Light Does Fernleaf lavender Need?
Full sun. It tolerates a little shade but flowers less.
What Is the Best Soil for Fernleaf lavender?
Average or poor soil, ideally alkaline, with excellent drainage. In a pot, mix compost with coarse grit or perlite.
What Pot Should You Use for Fernleaf lavender?
Terracotta pot with a drainage hole. In cold climates a pot lets you move it to a bright, sheltered spot for winter.
What Is Fernleaf lavender and Where Does It Come From?
Fernleaf lavender (Lavandula multifida) is a short-lived subshrub in the mint family, native to the southern Mediterranean: Portugal, Spain, Sicily, North Africa to Egypt and the Canary Islands, where it grows on open stony ground, often near houses and tracks. It reaches 30 to 60 cm tall and wide. The leaves are deeply cut like a fern, grey-green, and smell more like oregano than lavender. From June to September it keeps sending up blue-violet flower spikes on long stems, often branched into three.
How to Propagate Fernleaf lavender?
Seed
It flowers in its first year, which is why it is grown as an annual in cold areas.
- 1 Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost
- 2 Barely cover the seeds with fine compost
- 3 Keep moist, not wet, and in good light
- 4 Plant out after the last frost
Materials needed:
Cuttings
Do not keep the compost wet, as cuttings rot easily.
- 1 Cut non-flowering shoot tips about 8 cm long
- 2 Strip the lower leaves
- 3 Insert in gritty compost
- 4 Keep in bright light out of direct sun until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Fernleaf lavender Grow?
TLDR: Fernleaf lavender can reach up to 60cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- In traditional medicine, a tea of the flowering stems is used for coughs
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Fernleaf lavender?
TLDR: Fernleaf lavender is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Fun Facts
It flowers in the same year it is sown
In Tunisia, harvesting for medicine and cosmetics has put wild plants at risk
Multifida means much divided, after its finely cut leaves
Frequently asked questions
Is fernleaf lavender frost hardy?
How often should I water it?
Why does it not smell like normal lavender?
Is it toxic to pets?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
